Leon Smith, a social studies teacher in Haverford School District with 22 years in the district, has been named the 2025 Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year.

The announcement was made Monday by Pennsylvania’s Interim Acting Secretary of Education Angela Fitterer, writes Max Bennett for Patch, as reported at MSN.

Smith teaches ninth grade honors and advanced placement social studies, and 10^th through 12^th grade African American studies.  

He serves as African American Cultural Enrichment Advisor, coaches freshman boys’ basketball and serves as a mentor.

“Mr. Smith perfectly exemplifies what it means to be an excellent educator, and his commitment to his school is making a lasting impact on his students, their families, and the surrounding community,” said Fitterer.

He offers culturally relevant teaching, supporting historically marginalized students, helping all students reach their full potential, according to the Department of Education.

 Smith is also an advocate for the teaching profession, supporting new and future teachers with his Grow Your Own Teacher program at Haverford.  He’s also a senior fellow for Teach Plus, focusing on developing teacher leaders, supporting policies that advance equity, opportunity, and student success.

Find out more about Leon Smith’s career and the Teacher of the Year Award in MSN.